Ragtime

[foxy]

In 1975 the book Ragtime came out. I bought a copy and really enjoyed it. At the time I was living in an apartment (as an illegal sublet) in a brownstone on 38th Street between Park and Madison Avenues. When I got to the chapter about the siege on the Morgan Library I put the book down, went downstairs, walked 2 blocks over and stared at the Library, I went back to my apartment and continued reading. Life imitates art. 

When the Broadway musical came out in 1997 I went to see it having some doubts that the musical could capture the book. I loved it despite some mixed reviews. I believe it was the first time I saw Audra McDonald. I did see a revival, in 2009 I believe.

So I recently bought a ticket for this new production at City Center which is getting very good reviews. Ticket wasn't cheap at $178 but I really like the show and I'm looking forward to seeing it November 9. It closes on the 10th so any review I have will be late. Hopefully it might transfer to Broadway.

 

 

[Alpha714]

I saw a national tour of Ragtime in Chicago and loved it.  It is one of my favorite books and I am a big fan of the movie version too. Enjoy the performance!

[+ ApexNomad]

7 hours ago, foxy said:

In 1975 the book Ragtime came out. I bought a copy and really enjoyed it. At the time I was living in an apartment (as an illegal sublet) in a brownstone on 38th Street between Park and Madison Avenues. When I got to the chapter about the siege on the Morgan Library I put the book down, went downstairs, walked 2 blocks over and stared at the Library, I went back to my apartment and continued reading. Life imitates art. 

When the Broadway musical came out in 1997 I went to see it having some doubts that the musical could capture the book. I loved it despite some mixed reviews. I believe it was the first time I saw Audra McDonald. I did see a revival, in 2009 I believe.

So I recently bought a ticket for this new production at City Center which is getting very good reviews. Ticket wasn't cheap at $178 but I really like the show and I'm looking forward to seeing it November 9. It closes on the 10th so any review I have will be late. Hopefully it might transfer to Broadway.

 

 

Audra McDonald and Brian Stokes Mitchell were incredible in Ragtime. Even when they reunited at the Tonys a few years back, their voices together were absolutely gorgeous. Truly beautiful performances.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Seeing it next week and really looking forward.  One of my favorite musicals.

I saw the OBC, Chicago and LA companies, as well as the revival and national tours.

It was really THE show that gave me a love for musical theater.

[ShortCutie7]

Absolutely incredible, underrated musical!  One of the few scores from which I wouldn’t cut a single note… glad this music is getting the treatment it deserves!

[ShortCutie7]

FYI there are several audio clips on TikTok and they sound phenomenal!

[dcguy20]

I went to see it twice last weekend as it's my favorite musical. This production did not disappoint, and Joshua Henry gave a very moving performance as Coalhouse. His voice just soars. Not a weak link in the cast. The score is absolutely beautiful.  New Music was a highlight for me. 

I had some minor directorial quibbles (I gave leeway due to the 10 day rehearsal process), but overall it was a magnificent evening.

Edited November 8, 2024 by dcguy20
Added text

[+ ApexNomad]

Ragtime feels especially relevant today. Sadly.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

Saw it tonight.  It's the best production of this show I've ever seen.

It's up until Sunday if you're in town and can snag a ticket.  Go see this incredible cast.

[foxy]

Few if any remaining tickets. I  have high hopes this will transfer to Broadway as several encore productions have done so. I would love to see this production again. It was wonderful. 

[jeezifonly]

On 11/1/2024 at 5:22 PM, BenjaminNicholas said:

Seeing it next week and really looking forward.  One of my favorite musicals.

I saw the OBC, Chicago and LA companies, as well as the revival and national tours.

It was really THE show that gave me a love for musical theater.

You have excellent taste. 
Had I been seeing it at City Center _t h I s _ w e e k _
I’d have had to be carried out on a stretcher. 💔😭

[skynyc]

Thanks for the nudge...I didn't have a ticket, but got a single on the last day. So glad I did. A masterful production of a true American Masterpiece. 

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

After walking out at intermission at Sunset Blvd, I called a friend at CC and was able to get a seat for the final performance that night.

Three show-stopping standing ovations, all very much deserved.  This cast was magic.

It's a fool's investment to bring this show back to Broadway, but there's a little chatter about it coming to LCT and the Beaumont.

That could keep it lean and profitable.  I just hope to see most of this cast remain intact.

[+ ApexNomad]

On 11/13/2024 at 12:34 PM, BenjaminNicholas said:

After walking out at intermission at Sunset Blvd, I called a friend at CC and was able to get a seat for the final performance that night.

Three show-stopping standing ovations, all very much deserved.  This cast was magic.

It's a fool's investment to bring this show back to Broadway, but there's a little chatter about it coming to LCT and the Beaumont.

That could keep it lean and profitable.  I just hope to see most of this cast remain intact.

The 2009 revival, despite strong reviews and a scaled-down production, closed after only a few months, which might make investors wary. I’d love to see it back on Broadway again.

[+ BenjaminNicholas]

3 hours ago, ApexNomad said:

The 2009 revival, despite strong reviews and a scaled-down production, closed after only a few months, which might make investors wary. I’d love to see it back on Broadway again.

If it came as part of the LCT season, it wouldn't need to worry much about investors and the immediate need to 'pay back.'

For a show like this, that might be the best option.

I'd also like to see what they could do with the show on a unique stage like the Vivian Beaumont.

[+ ApexNomad]

1 hour ago, BenjaminNicholas said:

If it came as part of the LCT season, it wouldn't need to worry much about investors and the immediate need to 'pay back.'

For a show like this, that might be the best option.

I'd also like to see what they could do with the show on a unique stage like the Vivian Beaumont.

LCT would be a great home for Ragtime - smart move!